Studying and Working in the USA
Information that will enable you to better understand all aspects of doing a short-term professional program or Masters in The United States of America.
OVERVIEW:
The US has been and still is the primary destination for international professionals seeking advanced study programs. Besides the top educational programs, the ability to continue in the US working legally (OPT see below) to gain important international experience is a strong reason to study in the USA.
In addition to the OPT, students can apply for the H1-B visa (see below) after graduating, which allows them to legally work for a company. In the pass, these were not difficult to obtain if you met all the requirements; however, policies have changed and this visa is more difficult to obtain and renew.
If you have the financial ability or a scholarship and only want to study and then return to your country the US is a top option.
NOTE:
Some professionals are considering Canada, which has more liberal post-study work visa policies.
In addition to the OPT, students can apply for the H1-B visa (see below) after graduating, which allows them to legally work for a company. In the pass, these were not difficult to obtain if you met all the requirements; however, policies have changed and this visa is more difficult to obtain and renew.
If you have the financial ability or a scholarship and only want to study and then return to your country the US is a top option.
NOTE:
Some professionals are considering Canada, which has more liberal post-study work visa policies.
US UNIVERSITIES
Association of American Colleges and Universities.
Says there are two thousand six hundred eighteen (2,618) accredited four-year colleges and universities in the US. Most operate privately or as part of state governments. The US has no Federal Universities.
A total of 1,095,299 students from around the world are currently enrolled in various colleges of the country and international students make up 5.5 percent of the entire US higher education landscape. According to data provided by the US Department of Commerce, international students were responsible for contributing $44.7 billion to the US economy in 2018.
Says there are two thousand six hundred eighteen (2,618) accredited four-year colleges and universities in the US. Most operate privately or as part of state governments. The US has no Federal Universities.
A total of 1,095,299 students from around the world are currently enrolled in various colleges of the country and international students make up 5.5 percent of the entire US higher education landscape. According to data provided by the US Department of Commerce, international students were responsible for contributing $44.7 billion to the US economy in 2018.
VISAS
The link below is a good first step for understanding the process. More can be found on the SERVICES - STEP 6 page.
- F1 VISA -> OPT -> H1B -> GREEN CARD
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COST OF STUDYING IN THE USAPOSTGRADUATE LEVEL
(tuition, books, and assorted fees) |
The tuition for graduate students (Masters and Ph.D) varies widely throughout the United States depending on:
- Location - Field of Study - Private University - State University
EXAMPLES:
(estimates one academic year)
(estimates one academic year)
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STATE UNIVERSITIES
Univ. of California at Los Angeles - UCLA
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PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES
Boston University
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The United States has no Federal Universities with the exception of the 5 military academies.
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COST OF LIVING IN THE USA(housing, food, transportation, medical insurance)
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This various by region and whether the school is located in an urban or rural area.
The other cost factor is deciding to live On Campus or Off Campus
Graduate students tend to live off-campus, but that varies depending on whether the student is married and has children.
The other cost factor is deciding to live On Campus or Off Campus
Graduate students tend to live off-campus, but that varies depending on whether the student is married and has children.
WORKING WHILE STUDYING
ON-CAMPUS:
As an F1 student, you are allowed to work on-campus 20 hrs per week; however, campus jobs are not easy to find. You should always check with the International Student Office to get accurate information and advice.
OFF-CAMPUS:
F1-campus employment is work that that takes place outside of a school campus. Off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study, and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security’s emergent circumstances.
As an F1 student, you are allowed to work on-campus 20 hrs per week; however, campus jobs are not easy to find. You should always check with the International Student Office to get accurate information and advice.
OFF-CAMPUS:
F1-campus employment is work that that takes place outside of a school campus. Off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study, and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security’s emergent circumstances.
WORKING AFTER STUDYING
OPT: (Occupational Practical Training):
Working after you complete your studies is called "Occupational Practical Training", which allows you to work from one to two years. However, you must always consult with your schools's International Student Office who will have the latest accurant information to assist you with an OPT request . Also, I strongly advise you to include this in your "Study Abroad Plan".
Working after you complete your studies is called "Occupational Practical Training", which allows you to work from one to two years. However, you must always consult with your schools's International Student Office who will have the latest accurant information to assist you with an OPT request . Also, I strongly advise you to include this in your "Study Abroad Plan".
JOB TIPS: